Dan Hooker is finally over his two hand surgeries and eager to book a return fight against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira this November.
If you can’t remember seeing Hooker compete inside the Octagon this past year that’s because he hasn’t. The lightweight contender hasn’t seen action since capturing a split decision over Mateusz Gamrot back in Aug. 2024 to extend his current win streak to three. Hooker was rewarded with a big opportunity to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 this past March, but an injury to his hand knocked him out of commission.
Unfortunately, Hooker needed yet another surgery on his hand back in May. “Hangman” had revealed that UFC pegged him as the backup fighter for Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3, but his ongoing hand issue prevented him from stepping up. As a result of all his recent injuries, Hooker hasn’t fought in almost a year. He’s been staying busy by hosting a backyard fight league.
Luckily, it now appears Hooker is finally healthy and looking to book his return to action. On Friday, the lightweight contender took to social media to shoot his shot at a meeting with Oliveira later this year, presumably at UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view (PPV) card inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. Check it out below:
Someone wake up Charlie Olives and tell him we fighting in November.
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) July 25, 2025
“Someone wake up Charlie Olives and tell him we fighting in November,” wrote Hooker.
As for Oiveira, he’s coming off a disastrous knockout loss to Ilia Topuria for the vacant UFC lightweight title back at UFC 317 this past June. If he’s looking for a friendly matchup to return to the win column by year’s end then “do Bronx” has found his dance partner. Hooker is an all-in type of fighter that would help turn a matchup with Oliveira into one of the best fights of the year.
What are your thoughts on a Hooker vs. Oliveira showdown at MSG?
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
